Brussels

Belgium

Mission city Pilot city
National Mission Ecosystem Belgium
Population 1.2 million
City Area 161 km²
City active since June 2022

Brussels is the capital of Belgium and the administrative heart of the European Union, bringing together a dense urban fabric, an international population and a highly connected metropolitan economy. The city has a temperate maritime climate and is increasingly facing climate-related challenges such as heatwaves, flooding from intense rainfall and air pollution linked to traffic and urban density.

As a major capital city with complex governance structures and strong commuter flows, Brussels faces significant challenges in reducing emissions while maintaining accessibility, economic activity and social inclusion. Mobility, buildings and energy use are central priorities, alongside the need to adapt public spaces and infrastructure to a changing climate.

The Brussels-Capital Region is investing heavily in sustainable mobility, energy renovation and urban greening. Expanding public transport, cycling infrastructure and low-emission zones are helping reduce car dependency, while building renovation programmes aim to improve energy efficiency across both public and private housing. Nature-based solutions and water management measures are also becoming increasingly important in strengthening urban resilience.

Brussels’ climate approach reflects its role as both a global political centre and a highly lived-in city. Through collaboration between regional institutions, municipalities, businesses and residents, the city is working towards climate neutrality while seeking to improve quality of life, reduce inequalities and create a more resilient urban environment.

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Key Learnings

Latest updates from the city

Pilot project spotlight

Brussels Pilot Activity: EMPOWER - NetZeroCities

Background The EMPOWER pilot, involving three Brussels municipalities (City of Brussels, Ixelles, and Schaerbeek), addresses barriers to implementing energy sharing projects and achieving local energy independence. Despite the publication of the electricity ordinance for the Brussels Capital Region in

External projects

City involvement in related European initiatives